Project Description

First we discover the uniuqueness of Cappodocia. Violent eruptions of Mt. Erciyes (3916.)and Mt. Hasan (3300m)three millions years ago covered the surrounding plateu of Cappodocıa with tuff. The wind and rain have eroded this brittle rock and created a surrealist landspace of rock cones, capped pinnacles and fretted ravines, in colours that range from warm reds and golds to cool greens and greys. After we explore Cappodocia region we drive to Taurus Mountains. There is always the horizons, studded with peaks of grey, tan and purple; and a magnificent scenery at your feet- the beautiful mountain lakes of Taurus.

The high meadows or pastures are inhabited by semi-nomadic groups during the summer, in the months of June to September- in particular, by the yoruk, who are Turkoman in origin and whose traditional occupation is grazing their goats and sheep.On our trek, we will often meet with the hospitality of nomads and local villagers of this area. Then we pass to Bolkar, the second important massif of the Taurus range is the Bolkar Mountain: there is plenty of limestone reef and a handful fantastic panoramas. After trekking part, driving to the coast of Turkey. We sail in the most beautiful coastal area of the Turkish Mediterrenean, known to the ancients as Lycia this fabled coast of clear turquoise blue water is rich with archaeological sites. Fragrant pine forests tumble down a back cloth of mountain slopes to end abrubtly in red cliffs, secret coves and sandy beaches with its excelleent climate, guaranteed sunshine, this delightful coastal offers to spend holidays sailing in a culture, history and nature combining area.

Day 1: Ankara
Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel for overnight. Overnight hotel.

Day 2 : Ankara – Ihlara Area
Early in the morning we will depart by road to Cappadocia, 3 h driving, via Tuz Gol, the great Salt Lake with a superficies of 1700 m2. Arrive selime village in ıhlara area. We start our first walk at Selime at the northern end of the peaceful Ihlara Valley and overnight in the valley itself. About 2 hours walk a long the melendiz river. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 : Ihlara – Cappadoccia – Pigeon Valley
The narrow, steep-sided Ihlara valley, dotted with rock cut churches, was once the favourite retreat of Byzantine monks. This valley was formed by primeval earthquakes and the once rushing river is now a quiet stream. As we walk along the winding valley, with cliffs reaching up to 170m in some places, we seesmall garden cultures that originally would have provided for the colonies making them self-sufficient. There are many rock-cut churches in this valley with well preserved frescoes dating from the 9th century.Later we drive Goreme ,1h After lunch we hike up pigeon valley to Goreme. Cappadocian dovecotes mainly date fromthe 19th century with a few from the 18th and 20th centuries.Pigeons are very holy for Moslem people because of the Koran (holy book of Islam). They are decorated with folk painting as in some examples in the Pigeon valley. Overnight at hotel in Goreme. 4 hours walk.

Day 4 : Kızılcukur (Red valley )
The little visited Pancarlik Valley is close by and we spend the morning walking through it admiring the unusual formations. We continue onto Kizilcukur Valley. Sometimes known as the ‘red hole’, Kizilcukur is probably the hottest valley in the region. Hidden in its array of fairy chimneys is The Church with Grapes where there are frescoes depicting viticulture and fruit growing. (The wine produced here now is very sweet and heavy.) We reach the small village of Cavusin which lies on top of a collapsed section of an early Christian cave city. This was caused by a huge rockslide which, together with earthquakes and natural erosion, caused a split in the plateau. The atrium of the church at Cavusin has cascaded down, exposing some of the frescoes. 4-5 hours walk

Day 5 : Cappadoccia – Taurus Mountain
Our final walking day in this region is spent walking in Pasabağları, known as the valley of the Priests. Many of the chimneys here are only partially divided, showing us the continuous erosion process. Interestingly too there is a small minaret transformed from a church belfry indicating that this place was inhabited by Moslems after the Christians. This valley is also noted for the many caves in the fairy used by hermits for their retreats. After walking we will be transferred to Cukurbağ villge. On our route we will visit the fascinating underground city of Kaymaklı. (8 floors on 57m under the ground ). On arrival in Demirkazık village , the trailhead village, we will have our lunch here. We begin our t Trans-Taurus Trek with a 2 hours hike to Sokullupınar valley 2000 m. Overnight camp with all meals. (Ascent = 350m / Descent = 0m)

Day 6 : Taurus Mountains Impressive Cimbar Canyon (Mules for childeren )
We take this day to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the northern face of Mt Demirkazık and the impressive Cimbar Canyon. We stop for lunch at a local house in Demirkazık village and have a chance to absorb the scenery and culture of this area. The lifestyle of the inhabitants of this village has not chance for centuries and if we are lucky, we may see local women spnning wool or working on their looms. We return to Sokullupınar campsite this evening. (Ascent = 350m / Descent = 350m)

Day 7 : Taurus Mountain – Konya
We will walk dow to Yalak valley Through valley and hills we follow the paths sloping down to Taurus river , a small village Haninonu, rather rustic settlement at 1450 m high. After a pause-tea in a local tea house, in order to meet the population. We drive (3)h via Pozantı forest secenarry road to Konya city the officaltomb of their founder. Afternoon we visit the Mevlana Dervish museum with its dome turquoise tiles. The museum was originally a monastery and is still a very holy place – home to the Whirling Dervishes and containing the tomb of their founder. Overnight hotel in Konya. Ascent 0m: Descent: 550 m. 3 hours trekking time.

Day 8 : Konya – Köprülü Kanyon Nationel Park – Afternoon Rafting
Early In the morning 4 h driving to Kopullu Canyon National Park which is a valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna. The canyon strechesfor 14 km along the Köprü River and is 400 meters deep in some places. Fish restaurants where you can eat delicious fish, dot the rest areas.The Roman Oluk Bridge, which spans the canyon, and the Büğrüm Bridge over the Kocadere stream, are engineering feats of antiquity. Our Road cross from Taurus range to mediternean sea. Lunch will be in Koprullu canyon restaurant. Afternoon we will meet our Rafting team at the river side to enjoy 2-3 hours rafting in Rich secenarry covered with cedar forest ,cristal water of Taurus Canyon river Koprusu 14 km from Beskonak Village to Oluk brucek. Overnight hotel in Antalya.

Day 9 : Olympos – Cirali Region
Drive to Antalya 1.30 hours – En-Route we will visit Aspendos theather. The best preserved theather of antiquity, with seating for 15.000. the teathers galeries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the arcitect’succes. Nearby stand the remains of basilica and agora and one of the largest acueducts in Anatolia . After drive Antalya for a short stop at Antalya city of ancient harbour . Drive to Olympus where we will walk 2 hours to chimera (Yanartas –Olympus region . Afternoon swimming on beach . lovely spot surrounded on three sides by forested mountains. . Overnight at bungalow.

Day 10 : Kekova (Sunken city) – Half Day Boat Trip – Kas
In the morning transfer to Kekova village (2h). This place is declared forbidden protected zone to the construction and remain a town fishers and agricultural by the sea. Here taking a small boat, we have opportunity to discover the region of Kekova through crystalline waters a swallowed up city, and then visit citadel of Simena, been founded to the IV th. century ,with a superb view on the islands and to bathe in waters . end of the day our bus will transfer us to Kas (1h.). A city charming town with seeing of Greek island Meis. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Kas – Kayakoy – Oludeniz
A transfer (2h) by bus for Fethiye. We walk to Kayakoy, the Greeks lived in till 1923, and abandoned the area because of the population agreement between the Greek and Turkey. According to agreement the on, our path will take us to Oludeniz, an idyllic sea bay and a quiet lagoon set against a wild mountain backdrop of dense forest. Afternoon Swimming relax obn Oludeniz beach. Overnight hotel.

Day 12 : Oludeniz – Ekincik – Dalyan (Half day boat trip)
In the morning transfer Ekincik . We begin to walk from Ekincik village and winding through the mountainous backcountry. We see the old Lycian city of Caunus (400 BC) with magnificent rock tombs carved into the rock, on our way through a pine forest to Dalyan. Caunus was an ancient harbour city. From here we embark on a local river ferry to explore the Dalyan river area and Arrive to the hot spring by waterway, opportunity to swim in the natural swimming pools (hot spring) .. 4 hours walking. Dinner and Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 : Gocek Islands Boat Trip
Full day boat trip by public local boat. Morning we start from Gocek marina the sail during the day small islands where scenarry is realy beautifull. Lunch wil be served on boat . Chance to swim.Sailing along some small wild virgin bays until the Gocek Golf, one of the Mediterrenean best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. Overnight hotel.

Day 14 : Dalaman – Istanbul
Transfer to Dalaman airport and fly to Istanbul. You have a half day to discover this town which was known as Constantinople until the First World War, capital of Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Nearly all the city’s main sites are in the old Stamboul: Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica cistern…The vibrant,cosmopolitan city of Istanbul is a dazzlingmix of ancient and modern and truly a city where East meets West.Our walking tour this morning takes in the great sites of historic Sultanahmet,including the fine Blue Mosque with it’s Iznik tiling and the grand Topkapı Palace,once the home of the Sultans and their Harems and now a treasure trove of imperial artefacts.This afternoon is left free for personal exploration. Overnight hotel.

Day 15: Istanbul – Home
Transfer to airport and fly home.